Preliminary calculation
Estimating lift, drag and foil area as a function of speed and load, to define the foil's starting configuration.
Design & Engineering · Hydrofoil
A hydrofoil is a submerged wing that lifts the hull out of the water: less drag, more speed, more efficiency. We design hydrofoil systems from concept to validation, combining fluid-dynamic design, calculation, CFD simulation, prototyping and testing.
The principle
As speed increases, the water flowing over the foil profile generates hydrodynamic lift. When lift equals the boat's weight, the hull rises and foiling begins: the wetted surface collapses, drag drops with it, and the boat gains speed and efficiency for the same power.
Its behaviour depends on a few key parameters — foil profile, angle of attack, area and trim — and on phenomena to control such as cavitation, ventilation and stability. This is where rigorous design matters.
Sizing & calculation
Foil lift is estimated with L = ½ · ρ · v² · A · CL: ρ is water density, v is speed, A is the foil area and CL is the lift coefficient of the profile. It is the starting point to size profile, area and angle; the design is then refined with hydrodynamic design software and CFD simulations.
Estimating lift, drag and foil area as a function of speed and load, to define the foil's starting configuration.
Modelling flow, pressure, cavitation and drag in real conditions, to verify and optimise the profile before building it.
FEM analysis of loads and materials (often carbon composites) to ensure the stiffness, strength and safety of the system.
Ride optimization
A well-designed foil must then be optimised in real use: flight height, flight angle, stability and control change with speed and sea state. We work on geometry, load distribution and settings to achieve stable, efficient flight across the whole operating envelope.
What we design
Integrated functional, structural and fluid-dynamic design, for recreational boating, yachts and water-sports equipment.
Defining mission, target performance and foil-system architecture based on the boat and its use.
Profile selection and optimisation, hydrodynamic calculation and CFD simulations for lift, drag and cavitation control.
Sizing and FEM verification of foils and fittings, with composite materials and materials characterisation.
Building prototypes and components, including additive manufacturing, to move from model to real part.
Virtual and physical tests, on-water testing and trim tuning (ride optimization) through to validation.
Test-data analysis and design iterations to improve stability, efficiency and ride comfort.
Frequently asked questions
A hydrofoil project on the horizon?
From hydrodynamic calculation to validation: tell us the boat and the goal, and we'll define the technical path together.
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